Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 antisense RNA 1 (IGFBP7-AS1) (IGFBP7-AS1)

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 antisense RNA 1 (IGFBP7-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcribed from the antisense strand of the IGFBP7 gene locus (NCBI Gene ID: 100506639). It functions primarily as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), acting as a molecular sponge for various microRNAs, such as miR-150-5p, thereby preventing them from silencing their target mRNAs (PMID: 31480345). This regulatory mechanism allows IGFBP7-AS1 to modulate critical signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, which govern cell growth, survival, and differentiation. In clinical oncology, IGFBP7-AS1 is frequently overexpressed in malignancies such as gastric, lung, and colorectal cancers, where it is associated with advanced disease stages and poor patient prognosis (PMID: 32853345). By promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the lncRNA facilitates tumor cell migration and invasion, contributing to metastatic progression. While no small-molecule drugs or biologics currently target IGFBP7-AS1, it is a high-priority candidate for RNA-based therapeutic strategies, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and siRNA-mediated knockdown. Its specific expression patterns in tumor tissues compared to healthy tissues also make it a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for precision medicine. Therapeutic challenges include the efficient delivery of RNA-targeting agents to solid tumors and the mitigation of potential off-target effects within the complex lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network.

Other names

IGFBP7 antisense RNA 1IGFBP7-AS1IGFBP7AS

Competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity and antisense regulation of gene expression